NEW Zealand forward Andrew Hore’s behaviour has been condemned as “an absolute disgrace” after he was involved in a flashpoint which knocked Wales lock Bradley Davies out of the autumn internationals.

The second-minute incident three days ago left Davies with severe concussion and no chance of being involved when Wales face Australia in Cardiff this weekend.

While Davies continues his recovery, All Blacks hooker Hore must prepare for a disciplinary hearing this week that should see him land a lengthy ban after being cited by match commissioner Mike Rafter following the encounter.

And Wales assistant coach Rob Howley yesterday added to the chorus of criticism aimed at Hore since he took the law into his own hands and floored Davies from behind.

“What Hore did has got no place on a rugby field as far as I am concerned,” former Wales captain Howley said.

“It was an absolute disgrace. He has been cited, and I am sure it won’t be taken too lightly.

“Situations and incidents like that have no place on the rugby field, and it had a huge impact on the game.

“It is not what the All Blacks do. They are a good enough team, anyway, so we are very, very surprised by the actions of the player.

“He (Davies) has got severe concussion. He won’t be available next weekend.”

Match referee Craig Joubert missed the off-the-ball incident, as did his assistants. Had it been spotted, then Hore could have expected a red card and New Zealand would been reduced to 14 men in a game they went on to win 33-10.

In Aviva Premiership matches that are broadcast live this season, a television match official trial allows the TMO to advise the referee on any foul play, including appropriate sanctions, in addition to stopping the game if a serious incident occurs.

Howley added: “I am sure if he (referee) had seen it, action would have been taken.

“Whether you are licensed to go to the TMO on such decisions, I think that is for the IRB (International Rugby Board) to recommend.”

The cloud created by Hore’s reckless act of indiscipline has followed the New Zealand tour party to London, where preparations are now under way for Saturday’s clash against England at Twickenham.

“Andrew has been cited, we have something on Wednesday, and I can’t say too much about it,” All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said yesterday.

“What I will say is that our goal is to play physical, attractive rugby. We believe we are doing that. It is unfortunate that something has happened, and we will deal with it through the appropriate channels. Full stop.

Davies apart, Wales have also lost tighthead prop Aaron Jarvis for Australia’s Millennium Stadium visit due to a knee ligament injury suffered in the same passage of play against New Zealand while Davies was being treated.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has put back his scheduled team announcement by 48 hours until Thursday lunchtime because of what the WRU describe as “ongoing injury concerns”.

Centre Jamie Roberts (hip) will not train during the early part of this week, while flanker Ryan Jones has stitches in a head wound and will also only do limited training.

Wing George North (hip) remains in contention to return after missing the All Blacks game, while lock Ian Evans (knee) was scheduled to undergo a fitness test today and fly-half Dan Biggar was due to do limited training following a shoulder problem.

Bath prop Paul James and Perpignan utility back James Hook have returned to their clubs as the Australia match falls outside the IRB’s autumn Test window, but France-based trio Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins and Luke Charteris have remained with Wales.

“The injuries have challenged our strength in depth in many areas, but further down the line I am sure we will look back and see this time has been used as development for players,” Howley said. “From our perspective on Saturday, early on we struggled with the pace and intensity – that was the feedback we had from our players – but as the game went on and we got up to that pace and intensity, we felt comfortable.

“We had 73% possession in the second half, we kept the ball and we stressed New Zealand on many occasions.

“The first 20 minutes was very disappointing from our perspective regarding the way we wanted to start. Had we been more accurate on the ball, hopefully we would have put them under more pressure early in the game.”

Defeat for Wales against Australia would see them lose a place among the world’s top-eight teams ahead of next Monday’s 2015 World Cup pool draw, dropping them into tier three and a potentially punishing group.

A win or draw, though, would retain seventh spot in the world rankings, remaining above Argentina and Samoa – teams who beat Gatland’ side this month and will benefit should Wales suffer an autumn whitewash.